Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward
Series: Black Dagger Brotherhood #15.5
Published by Ballantine Books
Published on: March 13, 2018
Genres: Paranormal Romance
Pages: 157
Format: eBook
Source: Purchased
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The last place Ivie expects to be approached by a devastatingly handsome male is in a crowded, smoky cigar bar rarely frequented by vampires—yet here he stands. Silas is flirtatious, gallant, and, above all, mysterious. Ivie is anything but. A nurse at the healer’s clinic and the daughter of a biker, Ivie is accustomed to speaking her mind. So she does. Since aristocrats rarely pick up females of her class, Ivie asks Silas just what kind of game he thinks he’s playing.
Despite her guarded exterior, Ivie surrenders to the fierce desire she feels for Silas. And yet, just as their courtship is heating up, he reveals that it cannot last, for he is bound to return to the Old Country. Their bond only deepens as they make the most of their precious time together. But when she learns the truth, Ivie must find a saving grace—before all is lost. . . .
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Black Dagger Brotherhood. If you haven’t read this series and you are a paranormal romance/urban fantasy fan, what’s keeping you from starting it? To me, it’s the quintessential PNR, the one you HAVE to read. Urban fantasy readers will find a lot to like/love about this series as well. Sure, each book features one to two romances, but there’s also a ton of fighting evil foes as well. I am not done with the series, but still found time to pick up Dearest Ivie, a novella written in the Black Dagger world. I was very happy that I did.
As with any novella, I went into it not sure if I would like it or be really disappointed, and I have been disappointed lots of times. I figured that since it was Black Dagger Brotherhood-why not try it? For those that think this is one that moves the main story arc along, I think you might be disappointed. For those that love an amazing paranormal romance, I think you will be very happy. And for those that love a different take on a vampire character should be ecstatic with the series itself.
Since it is a novella, I can’t say a lot about the plot. Too many spoilers-and this novella is thick with them. So instead, I’m going to talk about the main characters. Ivie is a nurse at Haver’s medical clinic, one that only treats vampires. She’s living on her own, but does have her very own loving family that lives pretty much pay check to pay check. In the human world, her family would be considered fairly low class. Even though Ivie has risen above this and has her own apartment and a good job, she still adores her family. She’s also close to giving up on ever finding a mate. Or even just a good relationship. She meets Silas while on a rare girl’s night out with her cousin. He’s tall, dark and handsome and very rich. He’s also part of the glymera, otherwise known as the wealthy upper class of this vampire world. For some reason that Ivie can’t discern, he seems to want her and treats her accordingly. He’s almost an enigma to her, but he loves that she makes him laugh. He has his own secrets and they don’t bode well for a lasting relationship, to say the least.
I always enjoy returning to the BDB world. J.R. Ward’s world building is one of the best I’ve ever read and this story fit right in, although there isn’t any villains or fighting this time. When I started these books, I read the first eight back to back as I couldn’t put them down. The same can be said about this novella. I could not put it down either. Not that I wanted to.
Highly recommended to adult paranormal readers. Adult due to sensual scenes. And if I were you, I would keep some tissues handy because this story has all the “feels” both good and bad.
I’m Lorna and I live in Maryland. Since retiring, I spend my time mostly reading and reviewing books. My favorite reads are Paranormal Romance, Urban Fantasy, and Young Adult. I read a lot of indie books in addition to traditionally published books. Favorite paranormal creature? Vampires, but I am really liking werewolves more everyday.
Glad this series is still bringing out all the feels for you!
kindlemom1 recently posted…Review: Come From Away by Genevieve Graham
It’s just the best Ali You haven’t read it yet?
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward (@Mollykatie112, @JRWard1)
You know I’ve started this series but I’m only on like #5? But it one that should not be missed. I’m glad you enjoyed this little romantic side story. I’m very curious about Silas and his enchantment with Ivie but I do understand the gift of a person – a significant other – being able to make you laugh. My husband says that’s a big factor in our relationship…he makes me laugh. 🙂 Anyway, I’ll get around to this one eventually, Lorna.
Bookworm Brandee recently posted…Release Day Review ~ Oceanside ~ Michelle Mankin @MichelleMankin #2018NewRelease
Yes, for a novella it was very well done and the characters were really well realized. I quit after #11. I’ve had Number 12 on audio since it came out and haven’t listened yet cause it’s over 22 hours! But I’ve also read all of the spin off ones. So good.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward (@Mollykatie112, @JRWard1)
I really like that this novella doesn’t progress the overall series arc. I tend to skip over the mini-stories between books, and I always hate it when something earth-shattering happened during that short story. This sounds like a wonderful little romantic side-note for these characters. <3
Kristin (Book Sniffers Anonymous) recently posted…Review: The Last King by Katee Robert
It was such a good side story so I was really glad I went for it. I don’t always read the novellas either.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward (@Mollykatie112, @JRWard1)
you know I still haven’t tried a book by the author but I have a few of her other series so I know I’ll try one day
Melliane recently posted…Audiobook: Tricky Twenty-Two by Janet Evanovich
Oh you should. They are so very good!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward (@Mollykatie112, @JRWard1)
I’m hoping to read this one soon. Glad you loved it, Lorna!
Sophia Rose recently posted…Review: The Bride Next Door by Hope Ramsay
Oh, I hope you love it too!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward (@Mollykatie112, @JRWard1)
Oh. I thought that this book was about Assail. *facepalm*
You know I’d read anything about the BDB!
Joy // Joyousreads recently posted…[733]: Obsidio by Amie Kaufman and Jay Kristoff
I don’t remember who exactly Assail is. I quit after book 11. I have The King (#12)on audio but haven’t listened yet. So even though the name is familiar my old brain isn’t remembering for me
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward (@Mollykatie112, @JRWard1)
Oh, Lorna, I need to pick back up this series. Of course, I am only on book 5 (?) and I’ve enjoyed them thus far.
Kimberly recently posted…Defying Magick by Debbie Cassidy
I love this series. It and the Twilight series are what got me started back into reading paranormal years ago. Which led to me blogging. That being said, I stopped after #11. I plan on continuing. I have read all of the spin offs as well.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward (@Mollykatie112, @JRWard1)
Oh this one choked me up so bad! And with JR Ward you just don’t know what kind of ending you’re going to get!
Tell me about it. I only rarely cry while reading, but I had tears in my eyes at times reading this. So good though.
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward (@Mollykatie112, @JRWard1)
Glad to hear you enjoyed this and that it was a great pnr, even if it didn’t move the main story forward!
Kristen recently posted…Book Review: Lonely Shore (Chaos Station Book 2) by Jenn Burke & Kelly Jensen
Yes it didn’t move the story along, but anything in Wards Black Dagger Brotherhood world is well worth reading. I think, anyway. And thanks!
Lorna recently posted…Review: Dearest Ivie by J.R. Ward (@Mollykatie112, @JRWard1)
I got a bit burnt out on Ward, but I will probably go back one day. I don’t think I’ve seen a novella from her. I’m glad you enjoyed it.
Melanie recently posted…Audiobook Review: Hunting in Bruges by E.J. Stevens (@mlsimmons, @EJStevensAuthor)
It’s been so long since I’ve been in the Black Dagger Brotherhood world. This sounds like a bit of saucy fun! I must catch up!
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